Telegram’s ‘Terrorgram’ Network Faces UK Ban Over Extremism
In a significant move, the UK government is set to ban the Telegram group ‘Terrorgram,’ a network of far-right extremist channels that promotes white supremacist ideologies and provides instructions on carrying out attacks.
Terrorgram’s Influence and Connections
Terrorgram has gained notoriety for disseminating bomb-making tutorials and promoting neo-Nazi ideas. It has been linked to several deadly attacks around the world, including a shooting in Slovakia that claimed two lives. The suspected shooter expressed gratitude to Terrorgram for its role in fostering the “White revolution.”
Government’s Action and Rationale
The UK government’s decision to ban Terrorgram stems from concerns about its potential to radicalize individuals and pose a security threat. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized that the group aims to incite terrorist acts by exploiting young people’s vulnerabilities.
Impact of the Ban
The ban, if approved, will mark the first time an online terror network has been proscribed in the UK. Membership or support for Terrorgram could result in severe penalties, including prison sentences and hefty fines.
Telegram’s Measures
Telegram has taken steps to curb extremism on its platform. In 2021, it blocked several extremist channels linked to Terrorgram. However, experts believe that more needs to be done to address the spread of hate speech and violent content.
Security Concerns
Security minister Tom Tugendhat expressed the government’s determination to combat terrorism by targeting the dissemination of extremist ideologies. The ban on Terrorgram is seen as a crucial step in protecting society from the threat of far-right extremism.
